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[dsb83]

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[avemundi]

Just out of curiosity, did LSAC approve you to take the LSAT again (since it's your 4th time and all)?

[Kabuo]

If NU goes for that work experience, they'd probably go for you as an ED applicant. If not, and you just want T20, enjoy WUSTL or Minnesota (is this T20?) with $. Absolutely no shot at Texas.

[dsb83]

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[$1.99]

lol give up on law school, you won't be going to a good one with that gpa and your pitiful LSAT record. i laugh every time someone assumes they are going to score a 175 - 180. you are a government major at UT and still could not break 3.0? that is pathetic.

also, you have no shot because schools have gpa floors and the predictor does not take into account the floor. they will not dip below 3.0 unless you are black or mexican.

[dsb83]

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[JamMasterJ]

lol give up on law school, you won't be going to a good one with that gpa and your pitiful LSAT record. i laugh every time someone assumes they are going to score a 175 - 180. you are a government major at UT and still could not break 3.0? that is pathetic.

also, you have no shot because schools have gpa floors and the predictor does not take into account the floor. they will not dip below 3.0 unless you are black or mexican.

Report.

OP, most schools are gonna be tough because of gpa floors, but if you explain your situation as you did here in an addendum, you may get a little love (provided you actually score in or near your PT range). Otherwise, Kabuo has it about right.

[Ginj]

And you're an asshole and have no shot at real friends or intimate relationships in life. I explained my record and specifically said I didn't want this kind of advice.

...probably would have sufficed.

A lot of people are going to tell you to come back with a real LSAT score before asking your chances. That said, if you can score as high as you hope, I think that it'd be worth it to shoot an app to NU, WUSTL, etc. accompanied by many addenda explaining your situation.

Good luck.

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[Samara]

"You may not take the LSAT more than three times in any two-year period. This policy applies even if you cancel your score or if your score is not otherwise reported. LSAC reserves the right to cancel your registration, rescind your admission ticket, or take any other steps necessary to enforce this policy. "

So is law school predictor crap or just doesn't work with strange numbers like mine? With 178, it tells me michigan, Virginia, Cornell, NU, Georgetown and Texas are considers. Is it more about the withdrawals and such?

Yeah, LSP really breaks down for splitters when you're looking at schools in the 15-25 range, but UM, UVa, Cornell, NU and GULC are typically the best chances for splitters. I don't know how adcomms are going to look at your multiple LSATs and all your other issues, including your low GPA. Even if they do overlook all stuff, with a 2.7, I think you're out of the T14 no matter what you score on the LSAT. If you do hit your target score, an ED to NU is the credited choice if you really want T14. They don't really have a GPA floor and value work experience. That said, you're probably still a longshot there. UT-Austin is definitely out.

If you score in the 170s, WUSTL will probably bite. You may also get UIUC, IU-B or GW. Further on down the rankings, Washington & Lee, George Mason and American are good options.

HOWEVER, you want to practice in Texas, so none of those schools (outside of NU) will do you much good if you want to practice in Texas. IMO, Southern Methodist is the right choice for you. It places well in Dallas and generally has decent job prospects throughout Texas. They are also splitter-friendly, but you'll probably need to score upwards of 166 for them to give you strong consideration. That said, don't slack off on studying. Many people score well below their PT averages and you're going to need every point you can get, even for SMU.

You will want to write addenda and from what I've gathered from here, the best approach for mental illness addenda is to emphasize that you are "better" now and explain what you did to get it under control. You have a record of stable success, so that's good. I think generally though, the more concise the better. Stress your recent successes, re: teaching math and whatnot. When you have something written, you should solicit reviews in the Personal Statement forum.

Good luck, man, you're in a tough spot and I feel for you. If you want more info on general splitter strategies, I've compiled some info you may find helpful here: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=162680

[Grizz]

Hypothetical scores are hypothetical.

Enjoy lawschoolnumbers.com

[4910]

you need to aim for SMU or Baylor since you want to stay in texas. you won't get into UT even with a 180 considering your history.

[rinkrat19]

I'm worried that schools might not think you've had your illness under control for long enough. You've documented quite a few years of alternating productivity and relapses, and only about a year(?) where you've apparently been doing well. I'm not sure it's enough time to allay any fears they may have that law school--a fairly stressful experience--could cause another relapse. Another year in the workforce might serve you well.

Aside from that concern, Kabuo has it about right with regards to numbers. And $1.99 is an ass.

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[Samara]

I know I can probably go dig for this, but I thought I'd give it a shot here. Looking at these lower ranked Texas Schools, SMU, Baylor and Houston, how much will applying early affect my admission chances or money? I need to decide by tomorrow if I should take the LSAT in October or December.

Applying early always helps. However, don't sit for the October exam if you don't feel 100% ready. With your LSAT history, the worst thing you can do is rush it and not get the score you need. Taking the December test will still get your app in "on-time," so you'd wouldn't be at a disadvantage. I imagine the early application boost is less pronounced at non-T25 schools anyway.

[941law]

So you have a 2.7/164 and want to be an attorney? I'd suggest going to law school, which you easily can. I'd suggest writing a simple addendum for your gpa, which you easily can.

LSAT is king so with your low gpa i'd say lsat > applying early. If you can get a 170 in December and not October - go December.

[dsb83]

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[shock259]

Get your 175-180 and then worry about where you can go. Until then, that should be focus number 1.

[paratactical]

I would also suggest contacting the Texas Bar as I know histories of severe depression can have an affect on your ability to get through the process and how long it takes. I've assisted several attorneys with bar applications as part of my job and it varies state to state. It's definitely worth an anonymous phone call of inquiry.

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[Moomoo2u]

I think the issue that rinkrat brought up would be my main concern. You are the reason they have gpa addenda, especially since you can document them and can otherwise demonstrate a good gpa.

As an addcomm I would think what if your illness were to flare up again during law school? I think a 1 year break in law school would be even more detrimental than in UG and Law school arguably requires more concentration and determination than UG.

The GPA floor might be an issue as well, but you have a very powerful addendum and a 175-180 would be an impressive LSAT score.

EDIT: in regard to the addendum I would focus on the direct connection to lower scores and your medical issues (i.e. you got an F as you had a depressive episode) and then play up the high grades you got while you were medically ok. This is all documented so you have a strong case IMO.

You might also want to write about your illness in an adversity statement or something so you can go into more detail and the addcomm will have a better idea of your problem outside of a 1/2pg addendum.

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[paratactical]

While the bar requires present fitness, some states require lots of documentation to prove it if you have a history of problems or professional treatment. I don't mean this to be disparaging in any way but it really is worth checking into so that you can begin to assemble the appropriate documents beforehand.